Which roof covering is most likely to last the longest?

Author: Julianne Barrows  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

What Roofing Material Lasts the Longest?
  • Wood shakes and shingles: 15 to 20 years.
  • Asphalt shingles: 10 to 30 years.
  • Metal/steel: 50+ years.
  • Slate: 50+ years.
  • Tile and concrete: 50+ years.
  • Foam: 25+ years.
  • Built-Up roofs: 25-30 years.
  • Single-Ply: 30+ years.

What is the longest lasting roof covering?

TheNAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roof material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.

Which of these roof coverings has the longest life expectancy?

The Top 5 Roofing Materials with the Longest Lifespan (Quick summary)
  • Luxury asphalt shingles: 30+ years.
  • Steel sanding seam metal roofing: 30-50 years.
  • Cedar shake shingles: 30 years.
  • Synthetic shingles: 40-50 years.
  • Slate tiles: 75+ years.

What is the best roof for a long span?

Long span roofs generally are of different material types in general. Some of those include aluminum alloy, steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete, and timber. Steel is often favored due to its tremendous durability. Steel is also preferred because it discourages the spread of fire.

What type of roof is most reliable?

Slate is the most durable and longest-lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of more than 150 years.

Which Roofing Material Lasts The Longest?

What is the best roof for a home value?

Tile and metal roofing materials typically offer the highest resale value due to their longevity, durability, and curb appeal. However, single-ply roofing can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution.

What is the cheapest longest-lasting roof?

Fiberglass asphalt shingles, also known as square shingles, are a cost-effective and durable roofing option. These shingles consist of a fiberglass base mat covered with mineral granules and asphalt. They provide excellent protection against harsh weather conditions and can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

What roof has the shortest lifespan?

Which Types of Roofs Have the Shortest Lifespan? Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials and are relatively affordable. However, they typically have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, ranging from 15 to 30 years.

What type of roof is easiest to maintain?

Asphalt shingles require little upkeep once installed, making them one of the most cost-effective choices for homeowners and business owners who want to maintain their roofs with minimal effort.

What is the newest type of roofing?

5 Modern Roofing Materials And Designs For Your Project
  • Metal Roofing.
  • Grass/Green Roofing.
  • Composite Spanish Barrel Tiles.
  • Composite Cedar Shake.
  • Composite Slate Tile.

What is the longest lasting roof coating?

Premium coatings like silicone and urethane are known for their durability and can provide longer service lives than other coating types. Acrylic and asphalt emulsion coatings can also offer reliable performance but may require more frequent maintenance or recoating.

What roof lasts 30 years?

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the cheapest options and can last up to 30 years. Other materials, such as metal, slate, concrete, and clay, cost more upfront but can last much longer.

What is the quietest roof material?

Single-ply roofing systems like TPO, EPDM, and PVC roofing systems are among the quietest options for commercial roofing.

What is the most expensive roof covering?

Now you know that slate is the most expensive roofing material. Like I just said, most homeowners won't be able to afford a slate roof. That's why it's important to learn how much the other popular roofing materials cost so you're able to find the right one for you.

What roofing lasts 100 years?

Both clay tile roofing and standing seam metal roofing systems can last for up to 100 years, metal roofing being the cheaper roofing option of the two. Concrete tile roofing and TPO roofing also provide a fairly long roof lifespan and are good and cheap roofing materials as well.

What is the easiest roof covering?

Key Takeaways
  • Rolled roofing is DIY-friendly and easy to install for beginners.
  • Plastic roof tiles are lightweight, simplifying the installation process.
  • Rubber roofing is lightweight and simplifies the installation process.
  • Asphalt shingles offer quick and efficient installation by professionals.

What is the best roof for your money?

Asphalt Shingles

They are an affordable, easy-to-install option that is also easy to repair and replace as needed. You can even choose from a basic asphalt shingle to something higher-end like 3-tab or architectural.

What style roof lasts the longest?

What Roof Material Lasts the Longest?
  1. Slate Roofing. Lifespan: 50-100+ years. ...
  2. Clay and Concrete Tiles. Lifespan: 50-100 years. ...
  3. Metal Roofing. Lifespan: 40-70 years. ...
  4. Synthetic Roofing Materials. Lifespan: 50+ years. ...
  5. Wood Shingles and Shakes. Lifespan: 30-50 years. ...
  6. Asphalt Shingles. Lifespan: 15-30 years.

What color roof is best for resale?

Studies have shown that roof color does indeed matter to potential home buyers. Over 90 percent of consumers felt that a roof color that worked well with the rest of the exterior increased perceived value. Roofs with good resale value tend to be neutral-colored, including tan, brown, black, and gray.

What is the least maintenance roof?

The Best Type of Roofing for Low Maintenance Homes
  1. Metal Roofs. Metal roofs are a great option for low maintenance homes. ...
  2. Asphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America. ...
  3. Clay or Concrete Tiles. ...
  4. Slate Roofs. ...
  5. Synthetic Roofing.

What is the life expectancy of a roof covering?

Most asphalt shingles will last 20 to 25 years, while premium Class 4 shingles or metal roofs can last 50 years. The residential roof life expectancy really depends on what you install and where you live. Let's explore the different roofing materials to choose the best product for your home and budget.

What is the most expensive roof to install?

Slate is the most expensive roof material available. Its high cost is due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. This article explains why slate is costly, its benefits, and if it's worth investing in for your home.

What roof lasts 50 years?

Standard asphalt shingles—the most common roofing material—lasts about 15 years. Heavier materials—including clay, slate, and metal roofs—can last more than 50 years but are expensive and difficult to maintain. If you're looking for an affordable and long-lasting option, consider 50 year shingles and tiles.

What is the cheapest way to cover a roof?

Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest option as they are not only one of the cheapest roofing shingles but also one of the cheapest types of roof to install. Metal roofing can also be an affordable alternative as well.

Previous article
Is scrubbing bubbles safe for a kitchen sink?
Next article
How to live with a gas stove?